Use of self assembled magnetic beads for on-chip protein digestion

A continuum model for magnetic particle flows in microfluidics applicable from dilute to packed suspensions

The manipulation of magnetic microparticles has always been pivotal in the development of microfluidic devices, as it encompasses a broad range of applications, such as drug delivery, bioanalysis, on-chip diagnostics, and more recently organ-on-chip development. However, predicting the behavior and trajectory of these particles remains a recurring and partly unresolved question. Magnetic particle-laden flows can display intricate collective behaviors, such as packed plugs, column-shaped aggregates, or fluidization, which are difficult to predict. In this study, we introduce a finite-element model to simulate highly dense flows of magnetic microparticles. Our method relies on an interpenetrating continuum approach, where both the liquid and particle phases are described by the Navier-Stokes equations, in which the magnetic force, interphase friction, and interparticle forces were included. We demonstrate its applicability across the entire range of particle packing densities and compare the results with experimental data from real microfluidic application cases. The model successfully replicates complex behaviors, such as particle aggregation, plug formation and fluidization. This approach has potential to accelerate microfluidic device development by reducing the need for costly and time-consuming experimental optimization.

MIMAS: microfluidic platform in tandem with MALDI mass spectrometry for protein quantification from small cell ensembles

Understanding cell-to-cell variation at the molecular level provides relevant information about biological phenomena and is critical for clinical and biological research. Proteins carry important information not available from single-cell genomics and transcriptomics studies; however, due to the minute amount of proteins in single cells and the complexity of the proteome, quantitative protein analysis at the single-cell level remains challenging. Here, we report an integrated microfluidic platform in tandem with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the detection and quantification of targeted proteins from small cell ensembles (> 10 cells). All necessary steps for the assay are integrated on-chip including cell lysis, protein immunocapture, tryptic digestion, and co-crystallization with the matrix solution for MALDI-MS analysis. We demonstrate that our approach is suitable for protein quantification by assessing the apoptotic protein Bcl-2 released from MCF-7 breast cancer cells, ranging from 26 to 223 cells lysed on-chip (8.75 nL wells). A limit of detection (LOD) of 11.22 nM was determined, equivalent to 5.91 × 10⁷ protein molecules per well. Additionally, the microfluidic platform design was further improved, establishing the successful quantification of Bcl-2 protein from MCF-7 cell ensembles ranging from 8 to 19 cells in 4 nL wells. The LOD in the smaller well designs for Bcl-2 resulted in 14.85 nM, equivalent to 3.57 × 10⁷ protein molecules per well. This work shows the capability of our approach to quantitatively assess proteins from cell lysate on the MIMAS platform for the first time. These results demonstrate our approach constitutes a promising tool for quantitative targeted protein analysis from small cell ensembles down to single cells, with the capability for multiplexing through parallelization and automation.

Microfluidic Immobilized Enzymatic Reactors for Proteomic Analyses—Recent Developments and Trends (2017–2021)

Given the strong interdisciplinary nature of microfluidic immobilized enzyme reactor (μ-IMER) technology, several branches of science contribute to its successful implementation. A combination of physical, chemical knowledge and engineering skills is often required. The development and application of μ-IMERs in the proteomic community are experiencing increasing importance due to their attractive features of enzyme reusability, shorter digestion times, the ability to handle minute volumes of sample and the prospect of on-line integration into analytical workflows. The aim of this review is to give an account of the current (2017–2021) trends regarding the preparation of microdevices, immobilization strategies, and IMER configurations. The different aspects of microfabrication (designs, fabrication technologies and detectors) and enzyme immobilization (empty and packed channels, and monolithic supports) are surveyed focusing on μ-IMERs developed for proteomic analysis. Based on the advantages and limitations of the published approaches and the different applications, a probable perspective is given.

Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry with Integrated Electrochemical Reduction and Microchip-Enabled Deglycosylation for Epitope Mapping of Heavily Glycosylated and Disulfide-Bonded Proteins

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) is a recognized method to study protein conformational dynamics and interactions. Proteins encompassing post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as disulfide bonds and glycosylations, present challenges to HDX-MS, as disulfide bond reduction and deglycosylation is often required to extract HDX information from regions containing these PTMs. In-solution deglycosylation with peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminyl)-asparagine amidase A (PNGase A) or PNGase H⁺ combined with chemical reduction using tris-(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) has previously been used for HDX-MS analysis of disulfide-linked glycoproteins. However, this workflow requires extensive manual sample preparation and consumes large amounts of enzyme. Furthermore, large amounts of TCEP and glycosidases often result in suboptimal liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) performance. Here, we compare the in-solution activity of PNGase A, PNGase H⁺, and the newly discovered PNGase Dj under quench conditions and immobilize them onto thiol-ene microfluidic chips to create HDX-MS-compatible immobilized microfluidic enzyme reactors (IMERs). The IMERS retain deglycosylation activity, also following repeated use and long-term storage. Furthermore, we combine a PNGase Dj IMER, a pepsin IMER, and an electrochemical cell to develop an HDX-MS setup capable of efficient online disulfide-bond reduction, deglycosylation, and proteolysis. We demonstrate the applicability of this setup by mapping the epitope of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the heavily disulfide-bonded and glycosylated sema-domain of the tyrosine-protein kinase Met (SD c-Met). We achieve near-complete sequence coverage and extract HDX data to identify regions of SD c-Met involved in mAb binding. The described methodology thus presents an integrated and online workflow for improved HDX-MS analysis of challenging PTM-rich proteins.

Contemporary Enzyme-Based Methods for Recombinant Proteins In Vitro Phosphorylation

Phosphorylation is a reversible, enzyme-controlled posttranslational process affecting approximately one-third of all proteins in eukaryotic cells at any given time. Any deviation in the degree and/or site of phosphorylation leads to an abnormal conformation of proteins, resulting in a decline or loss of their function. Knowledge of phosphorylation-related pathways is essential for understanding the understanding of the disease pathogenesis and for the design of new therapeutic strategies. Recent availability of various kinases at an affordable price differs in activity, specificity, and stability and provides the opportunity of studying and modulating this reaction in vitro. We can exploit this knowledge for other applications. There is an enormous potential to produce fully decorated and active recombinant proteins, either for biomedical or cosmetic applications. Closely related is the possibility to exploit current achievements and develop new safe and efficacious vaccines, drugs, and immunomodulators. In this review, we outlined the current enzyme-based possibilities for in vitro phosphorylation of peptides and recombinant proteins and the added value that immobilized kinases provide.

Capillary electrophoresis integrated immobilized enzyme reactor for kinetic and inhibition assays of β-secretase as the Alzheimer's disease drug target

Capillary electrophoresis integrated immobilized enzyme reactors are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for enzyme kinetic and inhibition assays thanks to their unique set of features including cost effectiveness, repeated use of the enzyme, minuscule sample consumption, rapid analysis time and easy automation. In this work we present the development and application of a capillary electrophoresis integrated immobilized enzyme reactor based on magnetic particles for kinetic and inhibition studies of β-secretase, a key enzyme in the development of Alzheimer's disease and a promising drug target. We document the optimization of the immobilization procedure, characterization of immobilized β-secretase, optimization of a mutually compatible incubation protocol and separation method as well as the production of the capillary electrophoresis integrated immobilized enzyme reactor. The applicability of the capillary electrophoresis integrated immobilized enzyme reactor was demonstrated by kinetic assay with an unlabelled substrate and by inhibition assays using three structurally different reference inhibitors. The resulting kinetic and inhibition parameters clearly support the applicability of the herein presented method as well as document the fundamental phenomena which need to be taken in account when comparing the results to other methods.

A porous organic polymer with magnetic nanoparticles on a chip array for preconcentration of platinum(IV), gold(III) and bismuth(III) prior to their on-line quantitation by ICP-MS

A chip-based array is described for magnetic solid-phase microextraction (MSPME) of the ions of Pt, Au and Bi. Magnetic porous organic polymers (MOPs) prepared from magnetite nanoparticles and 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene are introduced as a novel adsorbent. Eight solid phase extraction columns packed with MOPs were integrated in parallel on a microfluidic chip for array microextraction. After elution with a 12% (m/v) solution of cysteamine hydrochloride (pH 8.0), the eluent is introduced into an ICP-MS instrument for quantification. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection for Pt, Au and Bi are 8.6, 4.4 and 3.4 ng L^-1, respectively. The sample throughput is 7 h^-1, and the adsorption capacities are 32, 24 and 24 μg mg^-1 for Pt, Au and Bi, respectively. The method was validated by the determination of Bi in a certified reference material (GSH-1A; human hair), and the values obtained coincided with the certified value. This method was also applied to the determination of Pt, Au and Bi in (spiked) urine and cell samples, and good recoveries (85.8-113%) were achieved. The method is highly sensitive and has a high throughput and a low sample/reagent consumption (with 500 HeLa cells consumed). Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the magnetic packed column, microfluidic chip, and online chip-based MSPME-ICPMS system. Design sketch of the online system: microextraction unit (blue lines), microvalves (black lines), outlet channels (yellow lines), permanent magnets (red), urine and cell samples.

BRAF protein immunoprecipitation, elution, and digestion from cell extract using a microfluidic mixer for mutant BRAF protein quantification by mass spectrometry

This study utilized a microfluidic mixer for the sample pretreatment of cell extracts for target protein quantification by mass spectrometers, including protein immunoprecipitation and protein enzymatic digestion. The time of sample pretreatment was reduced and thus the throughput of quantitative mutant proteins was increased by using the proposed method. Whole cell lysates of the cancer cell line HT-29 with gene mutations were used as the sample. The target protein BRAF was immunoprecipitated using magnetic beads in a pneumatic micromixer. Purified protein was then eluted and digested by trypsin in another two micromixers to yield peptide fragments in the solution. Using stable isotope-labeled standard as the internal control, wild-type and mutant BRAF proteins were quantified using mass spectrometry, which could be used for cancer screening. Compared with conventional methods in which protein immunoprecipitation lasts overnight, the micromixer procedure takes only 1 h, likely improving the throughput of mutant BRAF protein quantification by mass spectrometry. Graphical abstract Three micromixers were used to reduce the sample pretreatment time of cell extracts for target protein quantification by mass spectrometers, including protein immunoprecipitation, protein elution, and protein enzymatic digestion.

An improved design to capture magnetic microparticles for capillary electrophoresis based immobilized microenzyme reactors

In this paper, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a new 3D printed magnet holder that enables capture of magnetic microparticles in commercially available capillary electrophoresis equipment with a liquid or air based coolant system. The design as well as the method to capture magnetic microparticles inside the capillary are discussed. This setup was tested at temperature and pH values suitable for performing enzymatic reactions. To demonstrate its applicability in CE- immobilized microenzyme reactors (IMER) development, human flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 and bovine serum albumin were immobilized on amino functionalized magnetic microparticles using glutaraldehyde. These microparticles were subsequently used to perform in-line capillary electrophoresis with clozapine as a model substrate. This setup could be used further to establish CE-IMERs of other drug metabolic enzymes in a commercially available liquid based capillary coolant system. The CE-IMER setup was successful, although a subsequent decrease in enzyme activity was observed on repeated runs.

On-a-chip tryptic digestion of transthyretin: a step toward an integrated microfluidic system for the follow-up of familial transthyretin amyloidosis

TTR digestion on TE-chip: production of a fragment of interest allowing the therapeutic follow-up of the familial transthyretin amyloidosis.

Thiol-ene Monolithic Pepsin Microreactor with a 3D-Printed Interface for Efficient UPLC-MS Peptide Mapping Analyses

To improve the sample handling, and reduce cost and preparation time, of peptide mapping LC-MS workflows in protein analytical research, we here investigate the possibility of replacing conventional enzymatic digestion methods with a polymer microfluidic chip based enzyme reactor. Off-stoichiometric thiol-ene is utilized as both bulk material and as a monolithic stationary phase for immobilization of the proteolytic enzyme pepsin. The digestion efficiency of the, thiol-ene based, immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER) is compared to that of a conventional, agarose packed bed, pepsin IMER column commonly used in LC-MS based protein analyses. The chip IMER is found to rival the conventional column in terms of digestion efficiency at comparable residence time and, using a 3D-printed interface, be directly interfaceable with LC-MS.

Preparation and characterization of a packed bead immobilized trypsin reactor integrated into a PDMS microfluidic chip for rapid protein digestion

This paper demonstrates the design, efficiency and applicability of a simple, inexpensive and high sample throughput microchip immobilized enzymatic reactor (IMER) for rapid protein digestion. The IMER contains conventional silica particles with covalently immobilized trypsin packed inside of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchip channel (10mm×1mm×35µm). The microchip consists of 9 different channels, enabling 9 simultaneous protein digestions. Trypsin was covalently immobilized using carbodiimide activation, the ideal trypsin/silica particle ratio (i.e. measured mass ratio before the immobilization reaction) was determined. The amount of immobilized trypsin was 10-15μg trypsin for 1mg silica particle. Migration times of CZE peptide maps showed good repeatability and reproducibility (RSD%=0.02-0.31%). The IMER maintained its activity for 2 months, in this period it was used effectively for rapid proteolysis. Four proteins (myoglobin, lysozyme, hemoglobin and albumin) in a wide size range (15-70kDa) were digested to demonstrate the applicability of the reactor. Their CZE peptide maps were compared to peptide maps obtained from standard in-solution digestion of the four proteins. The number of peptide peaks correlated well with the theoretically expected peptide number in both cases, the peak patterns of the electropherograms were similar, however, digestion with the microchip IMER requires only <10s, while in-solution digestion takes 16h. LC-MS/MS peptide mapping was also carried out, the four proteins were identified with satisfying sequence coverages (29-50%), trypsin autolysis peptides were not detected. The protein content of human serum was digested with the IMER and with in-solution digestion.

Magnetic Particle Plug-Based Assays for Biomarker Analysis

Conventional immunoassays offer selective and quantitative detection of a number of biomarkers, but are laborious and time-consuming. Magnetic particle-based assays allow easy and rapid selection of analytes, but still suffer from the requirement of tedious multiple reaction and washing steps. Here, we demonstrate the trapping of functionalised magnetic particles within a microchannel for performing rapid immunoassays by flushing consecutive reagent and washing solutions over the trapped particle plug. Three main studies were performed to investigate the potential of the platform for quantitative analysis of biomarkers: (i) a streptavidin-biotin binding assay; (ii) a sandwich assay of the inflammation biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP); and (iii) detection of the steroid hormone, progesterone (P4), towards a competitive assay. Quantitative analysis with low limits of detection was demonstrated with streptavidin-biotin, while the CRP and P4 assays exhibited the ability to detect clinically relevant analytes, and all assays were completed in only 15 min. These preliminary results show the great potential of the platform for performing rapid, low volume magnetic particle plug-based assays of a range of clinical biomarkers via an exceedingly simple technique.

Chip-based array magnetic solid phase microextraction on-line coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of trace heavy metals in cells

Determination of trace elements in cells is critical to metallomics research and still faces tremendous difficulties even with the help of highly sensitive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Microfluidic chips offer a functional tool-set for cell analysis with features of miniaturization, integration and automation. In this work, we proposed a chip-based array magnetic solid phase microextraction (MSPME) system and on-line combined it with ICP-MS via microflow concentric nebulization for the determination of trace Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb and Bi in cells. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection of the developed on-line chip-based array MSPME-ICP-MS system are 49, 43, 4.2, 6.1, 13 and 18 ng L(-1) for Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb and Bi, respectively. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of target heavy metals in three kinds of cells (HepG2, Jurkat T and MCF7), and the recoveries for the spiked samples were in the range of 83.8%-117%. The extractable species of the target metals in cells were also studied and the results demonstrated a high selectivity of the developed methods towards free metal ions and/or their small molecular species.

An integrated microfluidic chip for immunocapture, preconcentration and separation of β-amyloid peptides

We present an integrated microfluidic chip for detection of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Aβ peptides are major biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in its early stages. This microfluidic device consists of three main parts: (1) An immunocapture microcolumn based on self-assembled magnetic beads coated with antibodies specific to Aβ peptides, (2) a nano-porous membrane made of photopolymerized hydrogel for preconcentration, and (3) a microchip electrophoresis (MCE) channel with fluorescent detection. Sub-milliliter sample volume is either mixed off-chip with antibody coated magnetic beads and injected into the device or is injected into an already self-assembled column of magnetic beads in the microchannel. The captured peptides on the beads are then electrokinetically eluted and re-concentrated onto the nano-membrane in a few nano-liters. By integrating the nano-membrane, total assay time was reduced and also off-chip re-concentration or buffer exchange steps were not needed. Finally, the concentrated peptides in the chip are separated by electrophoresis in a polymer-based matrix. The device was applied to the capture and MCE analysis of differently truncated peptides Aβ (1-37, 1-39, 1-40, and 1-42) and was able to detect as low as 25 ng of synthetic Aβ peptides spiked in undiluted cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The device was also tested with CSF samples from healthy donors. CSF samples were fluorescently labelled and pre-mixed with the magnetic beads and injected into the device. The results indicated that Aβ1-40, an important biomarker for distinguishing patients with frontotemporal lobe dementia from controls and AD patients, was detectable. Although the sensitivity of this device is not yet enough to detect all Aβ subtypes in CSF, this is the first report on an integrated or semi-integrated device for capturing and analyzing of differently truncated Aβ peptides. The method is less demanding and faster than the conventional Western blotting method currently used for research.

Advances in coupling microfluidic chips to mass spectrometry

Microfluidic technology has shown advantages of low sample consumption, reduced analysis time, high throughput, and potential for integration and automation. Coupling microfluidic chips to mass spectrometry (Chip-MS) can greatly improve the overall analytical performance of MS-based approaches and expand their potential applications. In this article, we review the advances of Chip-MS in the past decade, covering innovations in microchip fabrication, microchips coupled to electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MS. Development of integrated microfluidic systems for automated MS analysis will be further documented, as well as recent applications of Chip-MS in proteomics, metabolomics, cell analysis, and clinical diagnosis.

Integrated lab-on-chip biosensing systems based on magnetic particle actuation--a comprehensive review

The demand for easy to use and cost effective medical technologies inspires scientists to develop innovative lab-on-chip technologies for point-of-care in vitro diagnostic testing. To fulfill medical needs, the tests should be rapid, sensitive, quantitative, and miniaturizable, and need to integrate all steps from sample-in to result-out. Here, we review the use of magnetic particles actuated by magnetic fields to perform the different process steps that are required for integrated lab-on-chip diagnostic assays. We discuss the use of magnetic particles to mix fluids, to capture specific analytes, to concentrate analytes, to transfer analytes from one solution to another, to label analytes, to perform stringency and washing steps, and to probe biophysical properties of the analytes, distinguishing methodologies with fluid flow and without fluid flow (stationary microfluidics). Our review focuses on efforts to combine and integrate different magnetically actuated assay steps, with the vision that it will become possible in the future to realize integrated lab-on-chip biosensing assays in which all assay process steps are controlled and optimized by magnetic forces.

Fast magnetic isolation of simple sequence repeat markers in microfluidic channels

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are widely used for genome mapping, genetic diversity characterization and medical diagnosis. The fast isolation by AFLP of sequence containing repeats (FIASCO) is a powerful method for SSR marker isolation, but it is laborious, costly, and time consuming and requires multiple rounds of washing. Here, we report a superparamagnetic bead (SPMB)-based FIASCO method in a magnetic field controllable microfluidic chip (MFCM-Chip). This method dramatically reduces the assay time by 4.25-fold and reduces the quantity of magnetic beads and probes by 10-fold through the magnetic capture of (AG)n-containing fragments from Herba Leonuri, followed by washing and eluting on a microchip. The feasibility of this method was further evaluated by PCR and sequencing, and the results showed that the proportion of fragments containing SSRs was 89%, confirming that this platform is a fast and efficient method for SSR marker isolation. This cost-effective platform will make the powerful FIASCO technique more accessible for routine use with a wide variety of materials.

Magnetic control of protein spatial patterning to direct microtubule self-assembly

Living systems offer attractive strategies to generate nanoscale structures because of their innate functional properties such as the dynamic assembly of ordered nanometer fibers, the generation of mechanical forces, or the directional transport mediated by molecular motors. The design of hybrid systems, capable of interfacing artificial building blocks with biomolecules, may be a key step toward the rational design of nanoscale devices and materials. Here, we have designed a bottom-up approach to organize cytoskeletal elements in space using the self-assembly properties of magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to signaling proteins involved in microtubule nucleation. We show that magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to signaling proteins involved in microtubule nucleation can control the positioning of microtubule assembly. Under a magnetic field, a self-organized pattern of biofunctionalized nanoparticles is formed and leads to the nucleation of a periodical network of microtubules in Xenopus laevis egg extract. Our method shows how bioactive nanoparticles can generate a biochemically active pattern upon magnetic actuation, which triggers the spatial organization of nonequilibrium biological structures.

Microfluidic chip-based technologies: emerging platforms for cancer diagnosis

The development of early and personalized diagnostic protocols is considered the most promising avenue to decrease mortality from cancer and improve outcome. The emerging microfluidic-based analyzing platforms hold high promises to fulfill high-throughput and high-precision screening with reduced equipment cost and low analysis time, as compared to traditional bulky counterparts in bench-top laboratories. This article overviewed the potential applications of microfluidic technologies for detection and monitoring of cancer through nucleic acid and protein biomarker analysis. The implications of the technologies in cancer cytology that can provide functional personalized diagnosis were highlighted. Finally, the future niches for using microfluidic-based systems in tumor screening were briefly discussed.

Centrifugal gas-phase transition magnetophoresis (GTM)--a generic method for automation of magnetic bead based assays on the centrifugal microfluidic platform and application to DNA purification

Transportation of magnetic beads between different reagents plays a crucial role in many biological assays e.g. for purification of biomolecules or cells where the beads act as a mobile solid support. Therefore, usually a complex set-up either for fluidic processing or for manipulation of magnetic beads is required. To circumvent these drawbacks, we present a facile and automated method for the transportation of magnetic beads between multiple microfluidic chambers on a centrifugal microfluidic cartridge "LabDisk". The method excels by requiring only one stack of stationary permanent magnets, a specific microfluidic layout without actively controlled valves and a predefined frequency protocol for rotation of the LabDisk. Magnetic beads were transported through three fluidically separated chambers with a yield of 82.6% ± 3.6%. Bead based DNA purification from a dilution series of a Listeria innocua lysate and from a lambda phage DNA standard was demonstrated where the three chambers were used for binding, washing and elution of DNA. Recovery of L. innocua DNA was up to 68% ± 24% and for lambda phage DNA 43% ± 10% compared to manual reference purification in test tubes. Complete purification was conducted automatically within 12.5 min. Since all reagents can be preloaded onto the LabDisk prior to purification, no further hands-on steps are required during processing. Due to its modular and generic character, the presented method could also be adapted to other magnetic bead based assays e.g. to immunoassays or protein affinity purification, solely requiring the adjustment of number and volumes of the fluidic chambers.

Development of a magnetic immunosorbent for on-chip preconcentration of amyloid β isoforms: Representatives of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers

Determination of amyloid β (Aβ) isoforms and in particular the proportion of the Aβ 1-42 isoform in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients suspected of Alzheimer's disease might help in early diagnosis and treatment of that illness. Due to the low concentration of Aβ peptides in biological fluids, a preconcentration step prior to the detection step is often necessary. This study utilized on-chip immunoprecipitation, known as micro-immunoprecipitation (μIP). The technique uses an immunosorbent (IS) consisting of magnetic beads coated with specific anti-Aβ antibodies organized into an affinity microcolumn by a magnetic field. Our goal was to thoroughly describe the critical steps in developing the IS, such as selecting the proper beads and anti-Aβ antibodies, as well as optimizing the immobilization technique and μIP protocol. The latter includes selecting optimal elution conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the efficiency of anti-Aβ IS for μIP and specific capture of 5 Aβ peptides under optimized conditions using various subsequent analytical methods, including matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), capillary electrophoresis, microchip electrophoresis, and immunoblotting. Synthetic Aβ peptides samples prepared in buffer and spiked in human CSF were analyzed. Finally, on-chip immunoprecipitation of Aβ peptides in human CSF sample was performed.

Influence of immobilized biomolecules on magnetic bead plug formation and retention in capillary electrophoresis

Significant changes in the formation and retention of magnetic bead plugs in a capillary during electrophoresis were studied, and it was demonstrated that these effects were due to the type of biological molecule immobilized on the surface of these beads. Three biological molecules, an antibody, an oligonucleotide, and alkaline phosphatase (AP), were attached to otherwise identical streptavidin-coated magnetic beads through biotin-avidin binding in order to isolate differences in bead immobilization in a magnetic field resulting from the type of biological molecule immobilized on the bead surface. AP was also attached to the magnetic beads using epoxy groups on the bead surfaces (instead of avidin-biotin binding) to study the impact of immobilization chemistry. The formation and retention of magnetic bead plugs were studied quantitatively using light scattering detection of magnetic particles eluting from the bead plugs and qualitatively using microscopy. Both the types of biomolecule immobilized on the magnetic bead surface and the chemistry used to link the biomolecule to the magnetic bead impacted the formation and retention of the bead plugs.

New monodisperse magnetic polymer microspheres biofunctionalized for enzyme catalysis and bioaffinity separations

Magnetic macroporous PGMA and PHEMA microspheres containing carboxyl groups are synthesized by multi-step swelling and polymerization followed by precipitation of iron oxide inside the pores. The microspheres are characterized by SEM, IR spectroscopy, AAS, and zeta-potential measurements. Their functional groups enable bioactive ligands of various sizes and chemical structures to couple covalently. The applicability of these monodisperse magnetic microspheres in biospecific catalysis and bioaffinity separation is confirmed by coupling with the enzyme trypsin and huIgG. Trypsin-modified magnetic PGMA-COOH and PHEMA-COOH microspheres are investigated in terms of their enzyme activity, operational and storage stability. The presence of IgG molecules on microspheres is confirmed.

Individual organelle pH determinations of magnetically enriched endocytic organelles via laser-induced fluorescence detection

The analysis of biotransformations that occur in lysosomes and other endocytic organelles is critical to studies on intracellular degradation, nutrient recycling, and lysosomal storage disorders. Such analyses require bioactive organelle preparations that are devoid of other contaminating organelles. Commonly used differential centrifugation techniques produce impure fractions and may not be compatible with microscale separation platforms. Density gradient centrifugation procedures reduce the level of impurities but may compromise bioactivity. Here we report on simple magnetic setup and a procedure that produce highly enriched bioactive organelles based on their magnetic capture as they traveled through open tubes. Following capture, in-line laser-induced fluorecence detection (LIF) determined for the first time the pH of each magnetically retained individual endocytic organelle. Unlike bulk measurements, this method was suitable to describe the distributions of pH values in endocytic organelles from L6 rat myoblasts treated with dextran-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (for magnetic retention) and fluorescein/TMRM-conjugated dextran (for pH measurements by LIF). Their individual pH values ranged from 4 to 6, which is typical of bioactive endocytic organelles. These analytical procedures are of high relevance to evaluate lysosomal-related degradation pathways in aging, storage disorders, and drug development.

Controlling the magnetic field distribution on the micrometer scale and generation of magnetic bead patterns for microfluidic applications

As is well known, controlling the local magnetic field distribution on the micrometer scale in a microfluidic chip is significant and has many applications in bioanalysis based on magnetic beads. However, it is a challenge to tailor the magnetic field introduced by external permanent magnets or electromagnets on the micrometer scale. Here, we demonstrated a simple approach to controlling the local magnetic field distribution on the micrometer scale in a microfluidic chip by nickel patterns encapsulated in a thin poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film under the fluid channel. With the precisely controlled magnetic field, magnetic bead patterns were convenient to generate. Moreover, two kinds of fluorescent magnetic beads were patterned in the microfluidic channel, which demonstrated that it was possible to generate different functional magnetic bead patterns in situ, and could be used for the detection of multiple targets. In addition, this method was applied to generate cancer cell patterns.

Magnetic core shell nanoparticles trapping in a microdevice generating high magnetic gradient

Magnetic core shell nanoparticles (MCSNPs) 30 nm diameter with a magnetic weight of 10% are usually much too small to be trapped in microfluidic systems using classical external magnets. Here, a simple microchip for efficient MCSNPs trapping and release is presented. It comprises a bed of micrometric iron beads (6-8 μm diameter) packed in a microchannel against a physical restriction and presenting a low dead volume of 0.8 nL. These beads of high magnetic permeability are used to focus magnetic field lines from an external permanent magnet and generate local high magnetic gradients. The nanoparticles magnetic trap has been characterised both by numerical simulations and fluorescent MCSNPs imaging. Numerical simulations have been performed to map both the magnetic flux density and the magnetic force, and showed that MCSNPs are preferentially trapped at the iron bead magnetic poles where the magnetic force is increased by 3 orders of magnitude. The trapping efficiency was experimentally determined using fluorescent MCSNPs for different flow rates, different iron beads and permanent magnet positions. At a flow rate of 100 μL h(-1), the nanoparticles trapping/release can be achieved within 20 s with a preconcentration factor of 4000.

Design, modeling and characterization of microfluidic architectures for high flow rate, small footprint microfluidic systems

We propose a strategy for optimizing distribution of flow in a microfluidic chamber for microreactor, lateral flow assay and immunocapture applications. It is aimed at maximizing flow throughput, while keeping footprint, cell thickness, and shear stress in the distribution channels at a minimum, and offering a uniform flow field along the whole analysis chamber. In order to minimize footprint, the traditional tree-like or "rhombus" design, in which distribution microchannels undergo a series of splittings into two subchannels with equal lengths and widths, was replaced by a design in which subchannel lengths are unequal, and widths are analytically adapted within the Hele-Shaw approximation, in order to keep the flow resistance uniform along all flow paths. The design was validated by hydrodynamic flow simulation using COMSOL finite element software. Simulations show that, if the channel is too narrow, the Hele-Shaw approximation loses accuracy, and the flow velocity in the chamber can fluctuate by up to 20%. We thus used COMSOL simulation to fine-tune the channel parameters, and obtained a fluctuation of flow velocity across the whole chamber below 10%. The design was then implemented into a PDMS device, and flow profiles were measured experimentally using particle tracking. Finally, we show that this system can be applied to cell sorting in self-assembling magnetic arrays, increasing flow throughput by a factor 100 as compared to earlier reported designs.

Ring magnets for magnetic beads trapping in a capillary

This paper introduces the concept of ring magnets for magnetic beads (MBs) trapping in a capillary. Such magnets enable an easy insertion of a capillary simply like a pearl on a string. With this system, high magnetic forces are obtained thanks to the proximity between the magnet and the capillary, giving the opportunity to work at higher flow rates than with classical setups using two magnets with their magnetization perpendicular to the capillary. Moreover, by alternating magnets and non-magnetic spacers either in attraction or repulsion configuration, it is possible to form a chain and as a consequence to adapt the number of magnets to the desired number of plugs, thus controlling the surface available for molecule binding. Magnetic force mapping was first carried out by numerical simulations for a single ring magnet. The usefulness of this concept was then demonstrated with the achievement of an immunoassay and an online preconcentration experiment. To study the formation of multiplugs, the magnetic force was first simulated for a chain of four magnets in repulsion. This force was then introduced into a convection-diffusion model to understand the influence of the flow velocity on their size and position. The numerical simulations were qualitatively corroborated by microscopic visualizations, carried out in a capillary placed between rectangular magnets having a magnetization parallel to the capillary, and quantitatively by bead capture efficiency experiments.

Integrated multifunctional microfluidics for automated proteome analyses

Proteomics is a challenging field for realizing totally integrated microfluidic systems for complete proteome processing due to several considerations, including the sheer number of different protein types that exist within most proteomes, the large dynamic range associated with these various protein types, and the diverse chemical nature of the proteins comprising a typical proteome. For example, the human proteome is estimated to have >10(6) different components with a dynamic range of >10(10). The typical processing pipeline for proteomics involves the following steps: (1) selection and/or extraction of the particular proteins to be analyzed; (2) multidimensional separation; (3) proteolytic digestion of the protein sample; and (4) mass spectral identification of either intact proteins (top-down proteomics) or peptide fragments generated from proteolytic digestions (bottom-up proteomics). Although a number of intriguing microfluidic devices have been designed, fabricated and evaluated for carrying out the individual processing steps listed above, work toward building fully integrated microfluidic systems for protein analysis has yet to be realized. In this chapter, information will be provided on the nature of proteomic analysis in terms of the challenges associated with the sample type and the microfluidic devices that have been tested to carry out individual processing steps. These include devices such as those for multidimensional electrophoretic separations, solid-phase enzymatic digestions, and solid-phase extractions, all of which have used microfluidics as the functional platform for their implementation. This will be followed by an in-depth review of microfluidic systems, which are defined as units possessing two or more devices assembled into autonomous systems for proteome processing. In addition, information will be provided on the challenges involved in integrating processing steps into a functional system and the approaches adopted for device integration. In this chapter, we will focus exclusively on the front-end processing microfluidic devices and systems for proteome processing, and not on the interface technology of these platforms to mass spectrometry due to the extensive reviews that already exist on these types of interfaces.

Identification of carbonic anhydrase I immunodominant epitopes recognized by specific autoantibodies which indicate an improved prognosis in patients with malignancy after autologous stem cell transplantation

This work employs an epitope mapping of carbonic anhydrase (CA), isoform I (CA I), for detection of the main immunodominant epitopes. Our interest has arisen from an observed spontaneous tumor regression in patients who developed an aplastic anemia type syndrome after a high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation and whose sera contained high titer of anti carbonic anhydrase (anti-CA) autoantibodies. There are many indications that the presence of these autoantibodies may provide significant survival benefit for the patients. Western blot analysis confirmed strong immunoreactivity of the patients' sera with several CA isoforms and the CA I has been selected for our study as a highly abundant and widely distributed isoform. The applied analytical approach consists of specific fragmentation of CA I protein followed by immunospecific isolation of peptides reacting with polyclonal anti-CA I autoantibodies of patients in spontaneous remission. We improved the standard epitope mapping schema by incorporating the benefits of magnetic carriers and biomagnetic separation techniques. Mass spectrometry has been applied for detection and identification of epitopes and the acquired results were verified by bioinformatic tools. The candidate epitopes of CA I (NVGHS, DGLAV, SSEQL, and SLKPI) are discussed herein as potential therapeutic targets. This work highlights the usefulness of the epitope mapping technique based on magnetic microspheres for effective and rapid determination of immunodominant epitopes of the target protein.